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Swedish Massage serves as the foundation for traditional Western approaches to massage and is arguably the most well known and commonly practiced form of bodywork today. It can help the body remove toxins, deliver nutrients to tissues and cells more efficiently, and recover from strains and trauma more quickly. It encourages well being and optimum functioning by promoting relaxation, improved circulation, and mobility of joints.
Massage is used to relieve a variety of complaints. These include the pain and discomfort associated with chronic muscle tension, stiff joints, stress related conditions, sciatica, over-worked muscles. Swedish massage is good for a wide range of people. Individuals who suffer from any of the following conditions should refrain from massage: fever, active communicable illness (colds, flu), jaundice, cancer, acute phlebitis, or thrombosis, and any condition that can be spread within the clients system. Extra caution should be taken with high blood pressure or heart disease, varicose veins, bruises, and skin disorders.
A typical session will last from half an hour to an hour and a half. Treatments should be kept shorter for children, elderly, and the ill. The client and therapist talk at the beginning to determine the goal of the treatment, then the therapist leaves the room. The client disrobes to their level of comfort and lies on a table covered fully. The therapist knocks before entering and checks to make sure that the client is comfortable. Music will most likely be played and oil will be applied as the strokes are applied. Only the part of the body that is being worked on will be uncovered. Different strokes of gliding, kneading, friction pressure, tapping, and vibration will be applied towards the heart. Pressure can range from light to deep and communication between therapist and client is appropriate to make sure the massage is comfortable.
After the session the client should experience a deeper sense of relaxation and freer movement in their joints and muscles. It is recommended a client should increase their fluid intake after any bodywork to help flush the system of toxins and reduce the chance of soreness. Swedish is largely used in a health maintenance and wellness routine to keep the body loose and to reduce stress. When it is used as therapy the client’s body and its ability to integrate the therapy will determine how long the effects last and how often the therapy needs to occur.
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